Infant formula and follow-on formula market study
The CMA is undertaking a market study into infant formula and follow-on formula in the United Kingdom.
Administrative timetable
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 19 February 2025 | Statutory deadline for publishing market study report |
| 8 November 2024 | Publication of interim report |
| 19 August 2024 | Statutory deadline for publishing notice regarding decision on whether to make a market investigation reference |
| 13 March 2024 | Deadline for responses to the invitation to comment |
| 20 February 2024 | Launch of market study |
Interim report
8 November 2024: The CMA has published an interim report on its infant formula and follow-on formula market study setting out its provisional findings and possible options to address its emerging concerns.
The CMA invites responses on this interim report by 5pm, 29 November 2024.
- Executive summary (8.11.24)
- Interim report (8.11.24)
- Appendix A: regulatory and policy framework (8.11.24)
- Appendix B: the consumer journey (8.11.24)
- Appendix C: shares of supply methodology and additional provisional findings (8.11.24)
- Appendix D: pricing analysis methodology and additional provisional findings (8.11.24)
- Appendix E: margins methodology (8.11.24)
- Glossary (8.11.24)
- Experiences using infant formula and follow on formula – qualitative research report (Thinks Insight & Strategy) (8.11.24)
- Press notice: Infant formula: CMA sets out concerns and potential solutions (8.11.24)
Responses to invitation to comment
8 November 2024: The CMA has published responses to its invitation to comment (published on 20.2.24) on its infant formula and follow-on formula market study.
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Decision not to make a reference
16 August 2024: The CMA has decided not to make a market investigation reference at this stage. The CMA has identified significant concerns that the combined effect of the current regulatory framework, the behaviour of manufacturers and suppliers and the needs and reactions of people buying formula, are resulting in poor market outcomes.
The CMA considers these concerns will be best addressed by progressing with our market study and developing recommendations to governments to improve these market outcomes rather than moving to a more extensive market investigation. We expect to publish an interim report setting out our concerns along with provisional recommendations for action in October this year.
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Update to timetable
26 July 2024: The CMA has updated its administrative timetable. Given the timing of the general election and the central role of government policy and regulation in this market, the CMA plans to publish an interim report on the market study in the autumn, and invite views on this. This will help to ensure that the CMA can effectively engage with the UK, Northern Ireland, Scottish and Welsh governments and provides parties the opportunity to submit views on the CMA’s emerging thinking.
Find out more about what we are doing to help people get a fair deal as they face the rising cost of living.
This update covers our recent work on road fuel prices, groceries, infant formula, vet services, online shopping and housing.
Launch of market study
20 February 2024: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is undertaking a market study into infant formula and follow-on formula in the UK.
We are inviting comments by 13 March 2024 from all interested parties on the issues raised in the invitation to comment.
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(20.2.24)
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(20.2.24)
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Press release: CMA to scrutinise infant formula market through a market study (20.2.24)
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Price inflation and competition in food and grocery manufacturing and supply (29.11.23)
Contact
Case team email: infantformula@cma.gov.uk
Personal information
The CMA may collect, use and share personal data for its market studies under the Enterprise Act 2002. This includes processing personal data for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.
For more information about how the CMA handles personal information, visit the CMA’s Personal information charter.
Updates to this page
Published 20 February 2024Last updated 8 November 2024 + show all updates
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Interim report and responses to invitation to comment published.
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Market study notice and August 2024 progress update published.
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Timetable updated.
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First published.